STOCK CONTRACTORS

Bar T ’s Fancy Pants, looking 100 percent focused just before off his Round 9 , was named top saddle bronc of the 2011 Wrangler , capping a Kerby-Flitton family celebration that started at the PRCA Awards Banquet Nov. 30 when Bar T won the 2011 Remuda Award for providing the best pen of bucking horses at PRCA . PRCA ProRodeo photo by Greg Westfall Stock Contractors

Working behind the scenes from long before the rodeo begins until the last animal is loaded up, stock contractors may be the most overlooked people in rodeo production. While cowboys get most of the recognition, the livestock at Prca rodeos plays a vital role in the success of the contestants. In roughstock events, the cowboy’s riding ability produces half the score and the animals’ ability to buck powerfully and skillfully earns the other half. For the timed events, stock contractors work to provide of similar size for each event, so that cowboys are tested on their own skills – on a level playing field. the stock contractors’ primary goal is to ensure that the four-legged athletes of professional rodeo are healthy, well-fed, properly cared for and fit to perform. this job includes tasks familiar to all ranchers: breeding livestock with the desired characteristics, loading and transporting animals safely, providing veterinary care and supervising handling. rodeo stock contractors also have sport-specific jobs, including working behind the chutes to ensure safety for both people and animals, caring for animals during the rodeo itself – even handling public relations for the sport’s animal superstars. Stock contractors are heavily invested in the health and welfare of their livestock. the value of top bulls can reach $60,000 or more; a first-rate can sell for more than $80,000. But the animals are more than a monetary investment – while they are not cuddly pets, they do become respected and valued members of the stock contractors’ families. the Prca sets rules that ensure the humane treatment of rodeo animals. (See “Prca and Livestock Welfare” in the first chapter of this Media Guide.) Stock contracting companies that want to supply livestock for Prca- sanctioned rodeos agree to follow these rules. collectively, they set and represent the highest industry standard for livestock care. Prca card-holding member stock contractors as of Feb. 2, 2012, include: All American Rodeo Company meeting the challenges of rodeo’s future while preserving : Sam Swearingen its rich Western heritage. Blending award-winning bucking LOCATION: Piffard, n.Y. BACKGROUND: In early 2005, an stock with the hottest music, Bad company produces a exciting new chapter began for all american rodeo. With rocking rodeo concert experience to appeal to a new the retirement of ron and kathy Martin, Sam Swearingen generation of rodeo fans. Since Bad company’s inception purchased all american rodeo’s assets and became the in 1982, altizer has striven to grow every aspect of the company’s sole owner. Swearingen had successfully com- business (total payout, added money, spectator atten- peted in Prorodeo as a saddle bronc rider for nearly 30 dance, contestant entries) every year, keying on unique years. Since then, he has continued his commitment to advertising, promotion and community involvement. rodeo as the owner of the fastest-growing rodeo company in the northeastern U.S. and canada. Each year, Swearingen Bar T Rodeo Inc. and his staff produce more than 100 award-winning per- Stock contractor: Jeff Flitton formances in new York, Pennsylvania, new Jersey, LOCATION: chester, Utah. BUCKING STOCK OF THE YEAR: connecticut, Massachusetts, Virginia, West Virginia, alley cat, tie, 1977, also top-three bareback horse at nFr ontario, Quebec and nova Scotia. 1976, 1982, and top bareback horse of the Wilderness circuit, 1976-77, 1981-83. NOTABLE STOCK: Sparrow, Andrews Rodeo Inc. top-three Prca saddle bronc, 1991-93, top saddle bronc Stock contractors: Sammy and James Andrews at 1990 nFr and among top three 1991-3; Highland Special, who went to the nFr 20 times; Deception, High & Mighty LOCATION: Bagwell, texas. BUCKING STOCK OF THE and reception, also Wrangler nFr bucking horses; Son of YEAR: Bareback horse Skoal’s outlaw Willie, 1991; bull Sadie and Eight Ball were named among the top five saddle , 1994-95 (inducted into Prorodeo Hall of Fame, broncs of the 2009 Finals. BACKGROUND: Bar t rodeo 1999). OTHER NOTABLE STOCK: Bull Fender Bender voted has been a family-run operation for more than 60 years. third for Prca Bull of the Year 2007, runner-up, 2006; bull Stock is kept on 2,500 acres, leased and owned, in central cat Daddy voted second for Prca Bull of the Year, 2005. Utah. In 1997, Swanny kerby, who started the business, BACKGROUND: Sammy andrews, 2002 Prca Stock was inducted into the Prorodeo Hall of Fame. His son, contractor of the Year, is a third-generation stock contrac- saddle bronc rider and pickup man Bud kerby, and Bud’s tor. With knowledge gained from a lifetime of rodeo expe- wife Evelyn built up Bar t rodeo’s breeding program and rience, Sammy and his son, James, operate the business helped produce the first-ever olympic exhibition rodeo and have enjoyed success with their breeding program in Farmington, Utah, in 2002. Bud kerby passed away in for bucking bulls and horses. Four of their bareback horses, october 2010; in 2012, Evelyn sold the business to their one saddle bronc and four bucking bulls were selected daughter and son-in-law Wendie and Jeff Flitton, their son for the 2011 Wrangler nFr; outlaw was named one of the cody and daughter kellie addington and her husband top five bulls of the 2011 Finals. Sam, who operate it with another kerby daughter, Lori Pierce, and her husband, Martin. Evelyn kerby continues Bad Company Rodeo to advise the family. two Bar t bareback horses, four saddle Stock contractor: Mack Altizer broncs and two bucking bulls were selected for the 2011 LOCATION: Del rio, texas. NOTABLE STOCK: Wrangler nFr; saddle bronc Fancy Pants was named top championship bulls include seven-time Wrangler nFr bull saddle bronc of the 2011 Finals and Bar t rodeo livestock Wild thing, texas circuit of the Year, 1996, won four gold buckles there. also in 2011, Bar t rodeo 1999; Hammer time, selected to Wrangler nFr seven times; won its second remuda award for providing the best, perennial Wrangler nFr bull Walk this Way. BACKGROUND: most consistent pens of bucking horses to Prca rodeos, Mack altizer, 1998 Prca Stock contractor of the Year, is and Bar t livestock swept the Wilderness circuit awards

552 Stock contractorS as Bitter robbin, 8 Ball and top Gun were named best Unforgiven, 2002; tahonta, 2003-04. OTHER NOTABLE bareback horse, best saddle bronc and best bucking bull, STOCK: kool toddy, tied for no. 3 saddle bronc in the respectively. Prca, 2010; Dog Face, top bull of the columbia river circuit and selected for Wrangler nFr, 1992, runner-up Barnes PRCA Rodeo for bull of the year, 1996. BACKGROUND: Don Hutsell and Stock contractor: Bob Barnes Sonny riley, who also co-own Flying 5 rodeo company, formed Big Bend rodeo in april 1992 when they bought LOCATION: Peterson, Iowa. BUCKING STOCK OF THE the kelsey and McLean rodeo company from the late YEAR: Saddle bronc crystal Springs, 1977. OTHER ralph McLean. In 1997, Big Bend completed a rare double NOTABLE STOCK: Bucking bull t Bar, reliant Stadium play when both bareback horse Spring Fling and bucking arena-record 94 points with terry Don West. Bareback bull rapid Fire captured stock-of-the-year honors. after horse Smokeless Bow tie carried Wes Stevenson to a the 1999 Dodge national circuit Finals rodeo, Hutsell 93-point ride at the 2002 Summer tour Finale in Dallas, decided to put a saddle on Spring Fling, and it paid off as tying the second-highest score in Prca history. she was voted top saddle bronc for two years, then

BACKGROUND: Bob Barnes has been in the business STOCK CONTRACTORS returned to the bareback string and was voted one of the for nearly 60 years; he has had stock at each nFr since top three bareback horses for 2005. Big Bend bulls its inception in 1959 and at every Dodge/ram Great Unforgiven and tahonta held the top title for three years Lakes circuit Finals rodeo. one of the most respected straight between them; tahonta retired in 2006. Big Bend stockmen in professional rodeo, he was 1984 Prca Stock rodeo sent one saddle bronc to the Wrangler nFr in 2011. contractor of the Year and was inducted into the Prorodeo Hall of Fame in 1994. Barnes is among the most prominent stock contractors in the Midwest, where Big Stone, Moreno and he continues to educate people about the sport and its Growney Rodeo Company Western heritage. Bob has served on the Wrangler nFr Manager: Bruce Sunstrum commission, Prca Executive Board and Prca Board of LOCATION: cessford, alberta. NOTABLE STOCK: at the Directors; his son John currently serves on the Prca 2002 Wrangler nFr, Big Stone rodeo company bareback Board of Directors. His wife, Donita, was posthumously horse chester Dippin Bandit and Will Lowe combined for awarded the inaugural Lifetime achievement award for a 91-point ride. the horse, owned and raised by art klassen, contract personnel at the Prca’s awards Banquet just was selected as top bareback horse of the 2002 Wrangler before the 2011 nFr. one Barnes saddle bronc was nFr and has been named top horse of the canadian Finals selected for the 2011 Wrangler nFr, and John Barnes rodeo four times. BACKGROUND: Bruce Sunstrum was was livestock superintendent there. WEBSITE: www. a canadian Professional rodeo association contestant for BarnesPrcarodeo.com. 13 years, competing in all three roughstock events. In 1975, he and partner art klassen started Big Stone rodeo Beutler & Son Rodeo Company company. In early 2011, the company took on additional Stock contractors: Bennie and Rhett Beutler partners: Julio Moreno and long-time Prca stock contrac- tor John Growney. Big Stone, Moreno and Growney rodeo LOCATION: Elk city, okla. BUCKING STOCK OF THE YEAR: brought one bareback horse and one saddle bronc to the Bareback horses Sam Bass, 1973; copenhagen comotion, 2011 Wrangler nFr. 1998-2000; saddle broncs Blowout, 1985; challenger & Skoal, 1987; bulls cowtown, 1985; Voodoo child, 2007-08. OTHER NOTABLE STOCK: Fighting Stock of the Year –4B, Big Stone Rodeo Inc. 1991; red, 1992; Wack-o, 1996; Spotted Demon, 1998-99, Stock contractor: Bruce Sunstrum Black out, 2000. Black cat tied for no. 3 Prca Bareback LOCATION: cessford, alberta. NOTABLE LIVESTOCK: Horse of the Year, 2011; Wonderland, top-three Prca Spoonful of Sugar, canadian Bucking Bull of the Year, 2008. bareback horse, 2010; Little Lightning, top-three Prca BACKGROUND: Big Stone rodeo Inc. is a separate company bull, 2009. BACKGROUND: Longtime Prca stock contrac- from Big Stone, Moreno and Growney rodeo company. It tor Bennie Beutler and his son, rhett, joined forces in 2001 sent one bareback horse to the 2011 Wrangler nFr. to form Beutler & Son rodeo company, which was known as Beutler and Gaylord rodeo from 1989-2001. the Beutler Brookman-Hyland Rodeo LLC name has been synonymous with stock contracting since Stock contractor: Dave Wieferich 1929. Bennie’s grandfather, Elra, and his great-uncles, Jake LOCATION: Sidney, Mont. BACKGROUND: In 2006, cathy and Lynn, began supplying stock to oklahoma and texas and Dave Wieferich and their three children, Latasha, tesa rodeos more than 70 years ago. Bennie Beutler has served and tate, took over the rodeo business from the late as assistant general manager of the Wrangler nFr since Prorodeo Hall of Fame stock contractor Marvin Brookman, 1982; nFr chute boss, 1979-80; member of Prca rules cathy’s great-grandfather. While continuing to focus on committee, 1980; stock contractor representative on nFr Brookman’s famous breeding program, the Wieferiches committee, 1981-82; member of Prca board of directors, have added sound, production and rodeo entertainment 1989-91; stock contractor director on Prca board until to the sport and added Joe Hyland as a partner. they 2004. He was Prca Stock contractor of the Year in 1997 produce 10 rodeos across the northwestern United States and was inducted into the Prorodeo Hall of Fame in 2010. and subcontract for many events all over the U.S. they Seven Beutler & Son bareback horses, four saddle broncs sent one saddle bronc and one bucking bull to the 2011 and three bulls were selected for the 2011 Wrangler nFr. Wrangler nFr; another bucking bull was selected but the firm was nominated for Prca Stock contractor of the unable to attend. WEBSITE: www.Brookmanrodeo.com. Year in 2010 and 2011. Burch Rodeo Company Big Bend Rodeo Company Stock contractor: Chad Burch Stock contractors: Don and Chad Hutsell LOCATION: Gillette, Wyo. NOTABLE STOCK: Burch’s Blood LOCATION: ritzville, Wash. BUCKING STOCK OF THE Brother tied for Prca Saddle Bronc of the Year award, YEAR: Bareback horse Spring Fling, 1997; saddle bronc 2008, runner-up, 2002-03. BACKGROUND: For more than Spring Fling, 1999, (tie) 2000; bulls rapid Fire, 1997; 20 years, Max Burch bred bucking horses that cowboys

2012 Prca MEDIa GUIDE 553 Stock Contractors (continued) have described as “rank” or “eliminators.” Burch purchased carr Pro rodeo sent eight bareback horses, three saddle Midwest rodeo company from Steve Sutton in 1999, and broncs and one bull to the 2011 Wrangler nFr. WEBSITE: now Max’s son, chad, runs the company. Burch rodeo www.carrProrodeo.com. sent three bareback horses, four saddle broncs and two bucking bulls to the 2011 Wrangler nFr. Cervi Brothers Rodeo Company Stock contractor: Binion Cervi Burns Rodeo Company LOCATION: Sterling, colo. BUCKING STOCK OF THE YEAR: Stock contractor: Hal Burns Saddle broncs Descent, 1966-69, 1971-72; Frontier airlines, LOCATION: Laramie, Wyo. BUCKING STOCK OF THE YEAR: 1975; Brookman’s Velvet, 1980; bull, tiger, 1975. OTHER Bulls Mr. t, 1986; Blenderhead, top-three Prca bull, 2004. NOTABLE STOCK: Hard times was named top bull of the BACKGROUND: Burns rodeo company stock is kept at 2010 Wrangler nFr. BACKGROUND: Binion cervi’s father, Hal Burns’ High Plains arena, six miles from Laramie, Wyo., Mike cervi, has produced many of the largest rodeos in and at his ranch about 23 miles from Laramie in south- the United States. He served on the Prca Board of Directors eastern Wyoming, where some portions of the ranch reach for years and was named Prca Stock contractor of the 8,500 feet in elevation. Hal Burns, son of stock contractor Year in 1983 and 2001. In 1967, Mike cervi purchased Pete Burns, began his own bucking stock breeding Beutler Bros. rodeo company, one of the oldest (since program a few years ago. they are now bucking young 1929) and most prestigious rodeo companies, as well as horses they raised and have bull calves sired by Wrangler the Billy Minick rodeo company. retaining the Beutler nFr bulls Mr. t and Mardi Gras. Burns rodeo has had stock name, he formed two companies, Beutler Bros. & cervi selected for the Wrangler nFr every year since 1983, includ- rodeo company and cervi championship rodeo. Several ing one saddle bronc and three bulls in 2011. Hal Burns years ago, he sold Beutler Bros. & cervi rodeo to his son currently serves as a Prca stock contractor member on Binion, who renamed it cervi Brothers rodeo in 2012. the Prca’s Board of Directors. Beutler Bros. & cervi sent two bareback horses and four saddle broncs to the 2011 Wrangler nFr; one of the saddle C5 Rodeo Company broncs, Vitalix Party Shop, was among the top five. Stock contractor: Vern McDonald LOCATION: omak, Wash. BACKGROUND: Glenn Herriman, Cervi Championship Rodeo a former Prca contestant and pickup man, and his wife, Stock contractor: Mike Cervi Belinda, started their northern cross stock contracting LOCATION: Sterling, colo. BUCKING STOCK OF THE YEAR: business in the amateur ranks 20 years ago and gradually Saddle bronc Brookman’s Velvet, 1980; bull tiger, 1975. brought their five daughters into the operation. In 2004, OTHER NOTABLE LIVESTOCK: Multi-chem texas cocktail, the company purchased its Prca card. Glenn Herriman no. 2 bull in the Prca, 2009. BACKGROUND: the man passed away in December 2010 and Belinda ran the family responsible for producing many of the largest rodeos in business on their ranches in omak, Wash., until 2011, when the U.S., Mike cervi, sold his business in 2004 to his son she sold it to Vern MacDonald, who changed its name to Binion, who now runs one of the largest stock companies c5 rodeo company. in rodeo history. the cervis draw from a herd of more than 600 head of bucking stock and thousands of head of other livestock at their colorado ranches. the company is a Manager: Keith Marrington conglomeration of several company interests acquired LOCATION: calgary, alberta. BUCKING STOCK OF THE over the years, including Beutler Bros. & cervi rodeo YEAR: Bareback horses Grated coconut, 2003-04, 2006-09; company. In 1973, Mike cervi acquired cervi championship Lonesome Me, 1984, 1994; Moon rocket, 1976; saddle rodeo company, previously owned by Harry knight and bronc horses Wanda Dee, 1964; kloud Grey Skoal, 1987; Gene autry. Mike was named Prca Stock contractor of Lonesome Me Skoal, 1989-90. BACKGROUND: In 1961, the Year in 1983 and 2001. cervi championship rodeo the calgary Stampede bought a ranch to provide the sent three bareback horses and two saddle broncs to the flexibility needed for their event, breeding 70-plus mares Wrangler nFr in 2011; another saddle bronc was selected a year to get a continuous supply of high-caliber bucking but unable to attend. rodeo stock. With more than 22,000 acres, 500 horses and 90 head of bulls, the ranch recently has ventured into Classic Pro Rodeo Ltd. embryo transfers. In 2011, they sent four bareback horses Stock contractor: Scotty Lovelace and six saddle broncs to the Wrangler nFr. LOCATION: Waskom, texas. BUCKING STOCK OF THE YEAR: Big tex, Prca Bareback Horse of the Year, 2010, Carr Pro Rodeo top three, 2008, 2011. NOTABLE LIVESTOCK: Wise Guy, Stock contractor: Pete Carr top bareback horse of the Wrangler nFr, 2006, and no. LOCATION: Dallas, texas. BUCKING STOCK OF THE YEAR: 2 in the Prca, 2009; cattle Drive, who carried ryan Stutes bareback horse real Deal, 2005, runner-up, 2006. OTHER to a 93-point ride in texarkana, ark., tying the second- NOTABLE LIVESTOCK: riverboat annie, runner-up, Prca highest scored bareback ride in Prca history, in 2007. Bareback Horse of the Year, 2007. BACKGROUND: carr BACKGROUND: Lovelace, a former bareback rider, devel- Pro rodeo was established in 2005 by Pete carr to produce oped a love of rodeo in high school. He, his wife, tonya, Prca rodeos and provide high-caliber livestock through- and his mother, Patty, purchased classic Pro rodeo as out the United States. He, his wife, Sherrill, and their crew an amateur company in 1991; in 1995, it received its produce the richest rodeo in oklahoma, Guymon Pioneer Prca stock contracting card. Lovelace reached the top Days; the oldest rodeo in texas, the West of the Pecos; of his craft in 2003 when he was named Prca Stock and the richest rodeo in new Mexico, the Lea county Fair contractor of the Year. classic Pro rodeo has taken live- and rodeo in Lovington. they have excelled at both ends stock to every Wrangler nFr since it became eligible in of the arena, providing the calves for the 2007 Wrangler 1997, and in 2011, sent 12 bareback horses, one saddle nFr. carr stock has also won many circuit awards and set bronc and five bulls to the 2011 Wrangler nFr; another arena records at some of the biggest rodeos in the country. bull was selected but unable to attend. the firm was

554 Stock contractorS nominated for Prca Stock contractor of the Year in family roots go back to oklahoma statehood. they sent a 2010-11. WEBSITE: www.classicProrodeo.com. bucking bull to the 2011 Wrangler nFr. WEBSITE: www. DavidBaileyrodeo.com. Corey & Lange Rodeo Company Stock contractors: Mike Corey and Tom Lange Diamond G Rodeos Inc. LOCATION: Moses Lake, Wash. NOTABLE LIVESTOCK: Stock contractors: Steve and Cyndi Gilbert king of Hearts, no. 3 Prca bull, 2010-11; War Zone, top- LOCATION: toquerville, Utah. NOTABLE LIVESTOCK: three Prca bull, 2008; Seven of Hearts, tie for no. 3 Prca Mr. t, whom 2000 World champion Bull rider cody bull, 2005. BACKGROUND: Mike corey, a bull rider, pickup Hancock rode for 96 points at the 2001 Wrangler nFr – man and amateur contractor, joined forces with financial an event record. BACKGROUND: Steve and cyndi Gilbert partner George Horst in 1999. the next year, corey pur- purchased two stock contracting companies in 1991. chased Southern rodeos from Billy Jaynes, who started Steve Gilbert served as a stock contractor representative that company in 1990. In 2011, corey brought in his partner on the Prca Board of Directors from 2005-08. the Gilberts in another stock contracting firm, Flying Diamond rodeo: sent one bucking bull to the Wrangler nFr in 2011. STOCK CONTRACTORS tom Lange. the company sent three bulls to the 2011 Wrangler nFr, including king of Hearts, who was named Do or Die Pro Rodeo top bull of that nFr; two other corey & Lange bulls were Stock contractor: Vernon Guidry selected but unable to attend. LOCATION: Madisonville, texas. BACKGROUND: “ranch- Cowtown Rodeos, Inc. reared” Vernon Guidry raises most of his formidable bucking bulls. In 1993, Guidry purchased the Dorenkamp Stock contractors: Grant and Elizabeth Harris rodeo company, Holly, colo. He also has established a LOCATION: Pilesgrove, n.J. BACKGROUND: Grant Harris’ phenomenal “born to buck” program with such notable grandfather started producing rodeos in 1930 as a sideline sires as red Wasp, Hot Damn, coopers comet, Western to the family’s livestock market. In 1955, Grant’s father, Hauler, Final Dose, XS Energy and Hopscotch, each of Howard, started a weekly rodeo. In 1978, Grant Harris whom possesses foundations that go back to legendary purchased an Eastern rodeo and renamed it cowtown; he bulls such as rooster, Hobo, Houdini, tequila and Spook. and his wife, Elizabeth (Betsy), continue to produce rodeos Guidry partnered with Binion cervi 2005-11 and the in conjunction with livestock auctions, farmers’ markets company was named cervi & Guidry at that time, but is and farming operations. Harris, who joined the Prca in now Guidry’s alone. In 2011, Do or Die Pro rodeo took 1973, competed in , and saddle two bulls to the 2011 Wrangler nFr. . He was the First Frontier circuit saddle bronc riding champion in 1975 and 1977-78. Five Star Rodeo Inc. D & H Cattle Stock contractors: Marty Johns and Paul Stock contractors: Lori Franzen, Dillon and Bowers Jr. Hoyt Page LOCATION: okeechobee, Fla. BACKGROUND: Five Star LOCATION: riverton, Wyo. BACKGROUND: In 2005, Powder rodeo was formed in 1986 when brothers troy, Dan and river rodeo company owners Hank and Lori Franzen Wayne Weekley and their lifelong friend, Donald Parrish, formed a partnership with renowned bull breeder Dillon purchased Flying G rodeo from Eric Goolsby of Page to start D & H cattle. the Franzens’ horses reside on okeechobee, Fla. Marty Johns bought Five Star rodeo in their 15,000-acre ranch in Wright, Wyo., while the bulls are october 2006. raised on Page’s ranch in ardmore, okla. they sent three bucking bulls to the 2011 Wrangler nFr. Flying 5 Rodeo Company Stock contractor: Walter “Sonny” Riley Dakota Rodeo Company LOCATION: ritzville, Wash. BUCKING STOCK OF THE Stock contactors: Joe Simon and Chad Berger YEAR: Bulls Yellow Jacket, 1999; Border Patrol, 2000; saddle LOCATION: Webster, Minn., and Mandan, n.D. bronc Spring Planting, 2009, no. 2, 2011. OTHER NOTABLE BACKGROUND: Long-time Prca stock contractor Joe LIVESTOCK: Miss amerititle, top-three Prca Bareback Simon joined forces with chad Berger in 2009 to form Horse of the Year, 2008. BACKGROUND: after producing Dakota rodeo. In the summer, most of their bulls roam amateur rodeos in the northwest for four years, Flying 5 a 100-acre spread in Mandan, n.D., and about 100 head joined the Prca in 1974. the rodeo company is a family- of their horses are in Minnesota, as the company focuses oriented operation, as are their wheat farm and cattle on rodeos in the Great Lakes region. In the winter, many ranch. riley is a former sale yard owner and has established of their horses and bulls move to the company’s spread a breeding program for bucking horses. It isn’t unusual in warmer Perkins, okla. Dakota rodeo sent three bucking for Flying 5 to put on a rodeo with as many as 20 young bulls to the 2010 Wrangler nFr. horses in the draw. “nothing pleases us more than to be able to buck a good cowboy off one of our colts,” riley David Bailey Pro Rodeo said. He sent one bareback horse and four saddle broncs Company to the Wrangler nFr in 2011. Stock contractor: David F. Bailey LOCATION: Fort Gibson, okla. NOTABLE LIVESTOCK: Flying Diamond Rodeo Dippin’ Super cool, top bull, Wrangler nFr, 2002-03, and Company LLC his sire, Playboy; Lucky Strike, top bull, Wrangler nFr, Stock contractors: Tom Lange and Mike Corey 2005-06, and his sire, Gunslinger; Prairie circuit Bareback LOCATION: Moses Lake, Wash. BACKGROUND: In 2007, Horse of the Year Flying High, 2007-08. BACKGROUND: longtime Prca stock contractor Frank Beard, of Beard though 1989 was his first year as a Prca stock contractor, rodeos, retired. tom and Leslie Lange, of Greeley, colo., David Bailey has been in the rodeo business for more than took over his operation, changing the name to Flying 40 years. Bailey and his wife, Lisa, own and manage both Diamond rodeo and putting Prca stock contractor Mike David Bailey Pro rodeo and the ranch where David Bailey’s corey in charge of day-to-day operations. corey and Lange

2012 Prca MEDIa GUIDE 555 Stock Contractors (continued) also co-own corey & Lange rodeo. Flying Diamond sent calves a year on 14,000 acres, deeded and leased. they one bareback horse to the 2011 Wrangler nFr. sent one bareback horse, one saddle bronc and one bucking bull to the 2011 Wrangler nFr; Skippy’s Fine Line Flying U Rodeo Company was named one of the top five bulls of that nFr. Stock contractor: Cotton Rosser LOCATION: Marysville, calif. BUCKING STOCK OF THE Frontier Rodeo Company YEAR: classic Velvet, Prca Bareback Horse of the Year, Stock contractors: Jerry Nelson Jr. and Jim 1981; Buckskin Velvet, Prca Saddle Bronc of the Year, 1982. Crowther OTHER NOTABLE LIVESTOCK: troubadour, top bull of LOCATION: Winnie, texas. BUCKING STOCK OF THE YEAR: the Wrangler nFr, 2008, top-three Prca bull, 2008; Bring bareback horse Full Baggage, 2011, also top-ranked horse It, top bull of the 2009 nFr. BACKGROUND: cotton rosser, at Wrangler nFr, 2010; saddle bronc Medicine Woman, president and operations manager of the Flying U rodeo 2011, reserve, 2010, also top saddle bronc of the nFr, company, has a successful bucking horse breeding 2010. NOTABLE LIVESTOCK: Delta Ship, top bareback program that has produced excellent bucking stock. rosser horse of the Wrangler nFr, 2009, 2011; Let ‘er rip, no. 2 raises 80 percent of his bucking horses, 10 percent of his saddle bronc in the Prca, 2009, tied for no. 3, 2010; Big bulls and 50 percent of his calves, making only one or two Bucks, three-way tie for third place, Prca Bull of the Year, trips to purchase stock each year. rosser’s oldest son, Lee, 2005. BACKGROUND: In 2004, Jerry nelson partnered also holds a stock contractor’s card. Sons reno and Brian with Jim crowther, who had been in the rodeo business are Prca contestants; Brian and Levi rosser are also Flying for more than 25 years, to form Frontier rodeo. operating U pickup men. cotton rosser’s wife, karin, and his daugh- on his ranch in roxbury, kan., crowther has 500 head in ter, cindy, are Prca rodeo secretaries and timers. rosser his cow-calf operation and runs 2,000 head of yearling has served on the Prca’s Board of Directors. Flying U grass cattle. the partners have more than 500 bulls per- rodeo sent one bareback horse and one bucking bull to forming in amateur and Prca events. they sent five bare- the 2011 Wrangler nFr. back horses; eight saddle broncs and five bulls to the 2011 Wrangler nFr; Medicine Woman and Wild Bill were both 4L and Diamond S Rodeo among the top five saddle broncs at the nFr that year Stock contractors: Charlie Lowry and Delta Ship was named best nFr bareback horse for LOCATION: Summerville, Ga. BUCKING STOCK OF THE the second time. YEAR: Palm Springs, 2011. OTHER NOTABLE LIVESTOCK: Big Iron, no. 2 Prca bull, 2010-11. BACKGROUND: 4L Growney Brothers Rodeo and Diamond S rodeo is a family-owned and -operated Company LLC firm founded by former Prca contestant charlie Lowry, Stock contractors: John Growney and Don Kish 2002 Women’s Professional rodeo association Stock LOCATION: red Bluff, calif. BUCKING STOCK OF THE contractor of the Year. In 1981, Lowry won the steer YEAR: Bulls , 1987; Dodge ram tough, 1996 (also wrestling and all-around titles at cheyenne (Wyo.) Frontier Dodge truck Bull of the Year). OTHER NOTABLE Days, pocketing $18,000 – at the time, the most money LIVESTOCK: Moulin rouge was top bareback horse of the ever won at a single regular-season rodeo. He qualified Wrangler nFr, 2003, no. 2 in the Prca in 2010, no. 3 in for the nFr in 1978-79 and 1981. He also holds 16 year- 2009; bareback horse Dreamboat annie paired with Larry end titles in the Southeastern circuit. He obtained his Peabody for an 89-point ride in 1981 for a record that held Prca card in 1974 and started his stock contracting busi- until 1995; Sock Dancer was top saddle bronc of the 2008 ness in 1985. Lowry and David Simpson joined in 2009 Wrangler nFr; bull Wolfman (whose bloodlines include to form 4L and Diamond S rodeo, which works rodeos Prorodeo Hall of Fame bulls red rock and ) in 1991 in the southeastern part of the country and is Georgia’s teamed with Wade Leslie for the only 100-point ride in largest, most established professional rodeo producer. rodeo history. BACKGROUND: Growney Brothers rodeo 4L and Diamond S rodeo sent seven bulls to the 2011 started with stock that Growney, a Prca roughstock com- Wrangler nFr; another bull was selected but unable to petitor, used for practice. In 1979, Growney purchased attend. WEBSITE: www.4Lrodeo.com. rodeo Stock contractors and, after three years in the amateur rodeo business, turned professional. Growney, Four Star Rodeo Company the 2000 Prca Stock contractor of the Year and 2008 Stock contractor: Jeff Davis winner of the Prca remuda award for best pen of bucking LOCATION: cottonwood, calif. BACKGROUND: In 2007, horses, has added partners Don kish, who oversees the Dan M. russell of the russell rodeo company sold his bull program and works as a pickup man, and tim Bridwell, operation to california stock contractor Jeff Davis, who who oversees the horse program. Growney Brothers’ head- renamed it Four Star rodeo company. Davis’ son, Justin quarters is on 50 acres just south of red Bluff. another Wade, qualified for the 2009 Wrangler nFr as a team 2,000 acres three miles west of town are leased for winter roper. Four Star rodeo sent one bucking bull to the 2011 ranging. Growney Brothers rodeo sent to the 2011 Wrangler nFr. Wrangler nFr four bareback horses, including top-five nFr bareback horse Wild and Blue, as well as six bucking Franklin Rodeo Company bulls. the firm was nominated for Prca Stock contractor Stock contractor: Shane Franklin of the Year in 2010, and Growney served on the Prca’s LOCATION: Bonnyville, alberta. BUCKING STOCK OF THE stock contractor executive council 2008-10. YEAR: Bareback horses kingsway Skoal, 1988; airwolf, 1993; saddle bronc kingsway Skoal, 1995-96. Harry Vold Rodeo Company BACKGROUND: Franklin rodeo company has been in Stock contractors: Harry Vold and Kirsten Vold operation since the early 1970s and produces rodeos in LOCATION: avondale, colo. BUCKING STOCK OF THE British columbia, alberta and Saskatchewan. Franklin YEAR: Bareback horse Smokey, 1974; saddle broncs Sarcee rodeo raises its own bucking stock from a carefully Sorrel, 1976; rusty, 1981; angel Sings, 1978-79; Wrangler selected breeding program. they raise 40 colts and 50 bull Savvy, 1986; Bobby Joe Skoal, 1991-93; Painted Valley,

556 Stock contractorS 2010 (also top saddle bronc of the 2009 Wrangler nFr); JK Rodeo Company bulls Panda Bear, 1976, no. 777, 1979-80. BACKGROUND: Stock contractor: Jim Kenney Born and raised in canada, Vold started his rodeo company LOCATION: carlsbad, n.M. NOTABLE LIVESTOCK: Brother, in 1954, relocating to a colorado ranch in the late 1960s. no. 2 Bareback Horse of the Year, 2011, turquoise circuit Vold’s goal is “to produce top rodeos all over north america Bareback Horse of the Year, 2007-09, third at Wrangler and to have the best stock at the biggest and best rodeos, nFr, 2009, first at San antonio Livestock and Show, 2009; featuring the top cowboys.” Vold, voted Prca Stock Jumping Bean, turquoise circuit Saddle Bronc Horse of contractor of the Year 11 times, buys most of his bulls but the Year, 2009; Stepper, turquoise circuit Bareback Horse breeds many bucking horses and raises approximately 50 of the Year, 2006. BACKGROUND: Jim kenney, a Prca colts a year. Vold and his daughter kirsten put on rodeos Gold card member, began competing in tie-down roping in 15 states; they sent two bareback horses and two saddle and in 1961 and has been involved in rodeo broncs to the 2011 Wrangler nFr, including Painted Valley. ever since. He purchased custer-bred mares from Harry the firm was nominated for Prca Stock contractor of the Vold in the early 1990s and, with help from Ike Sankey, Year in 2010-11.

started raising bucking stock. He also raises commercial STOCK CONTRACTORS stock on his ranch in Guadalupe Peak, texas. In 2000, Harvey Northcott Rodeo kenney purchased auger rodeo company and renamed Stock contractor: Eileen Northcott it. Jk rodeo has sent horses to the Wrangler nFr from 2007-11, all raised by kenney. Jk rodeo sent three bareback LOCATION: caroline, alberta. NOTABLE LIVESTOCK: Get horses and two bucking bulls to the 2011 Wrangler nFr; Smart, no. 3 Prca saddle bronc, 2011; Wyatt Earp, top Molly was named one of the top five bareback horses of saddle bronc of the 1997-98 nFr; Matt Dillon, top nFr that nFr. saddle bronc, 1988; bull truck Payment, reserve world champion, 1989. BACKGROUND: Harvey northcott raised some of his bulls from a herd of 65 ranch-raised Brahma- JS Rodeo LLC cross cows on 1,600 acres of deeded lands in the west- Stock contractors: John E.S. Smith and Dr. J. central hills of alberta. northcott produced his first rodeo Patrick Johnson July 1, 1967, in carsland, alberta. He picked up his canadian LOCATION: cascade, Mont. NOTABLE STOCK: Let’s Play, Professional rodeo association membership in 1972 and tied for top bareback horse of the Dodge national circuit became a Prca member in 1975. northcott rodeo sent Finals rodeo, 2008. BACKGROUND: Smith has been raising a saddle bronc to the 2011 Wrangler nFr. Harvey northcott bucking horses since he was very young and competed passed away in September 2010 and the firm is now run in saddle bronc riding for more than 20 years, qualifying by his wife, Eileen. for the Wrangler nFr in 1990 and 1991. Smith won a canadian saddle bronc riding championship in 1988. He Honeycutt Rodeo is partnered with rancher Dr. J. Patrick Johnson, who has been in the rodeo business since the 1970s. JS rodeo sent Stock contractors: Roy, Jerry and Scott a bareback horse to the 2011 Wrangler nFr. WEBSITE: Honeycutt www.JSrodeo.com. LOCATION: alamosa, colo. BACKGROUND: roy Honeycutt, a former Prca competitor, uses knowledge he has acquired Kesler Championship Rodeo through the years to produce fair competition and expand Stock contractor: Duane Kesler Prorodeo’s scope and reach. Based in alamosa, colo., LOCATION: Helena, Mont., and McGrath, alberta. BUCKING Honeycutt continues the traditions of his father-in-law, STOCK OF THE YEAR: cool alley, Prca Bareback Horse of Walter alsbaugh, who passed along his legacy of wisdom the Year, 2001, Prca Saddle Bronc Horse of the Year, 2004, in stock contracting and breeding award-winning bucking tied in 2008; alley Ways, Prca Bareback Horse of the Year, horses. Four generations of the Honeycutt rodeo family 2002, 2004. OTHER NOTABLE LIVESTOCK: kesler’s cover create quality family-oriented rodeo entertainment with Girl teamed with Wes Stevenson for a Prca-record 94-point award-winning bucking stock, top contract personnel and ride at the 2002 Summer tour Finale in Dallas. dynamic music. Honeycutt rodeo sent a bucking bull to BACKGROUND: In 1995, Duane kesler took over the the Wrangler nFr in 2011. company started by his grandfather, reg kesler, in 1950. In 2011, kesler championship rodeo sent three bareback J Bar J Inc. horses and three saddle broncs to the Wrangler nFr. Stock contractors: Mark “Sparky” and Marlene Dreesen Kesler Rodeo LOCATION: circle, Mont. NOTABLE LIVESTOCK: Perennial Stock contractor: Greg Kesler Wrangler nFr bucking horse nightjacket, who had 16 LOCATION: Helena, Mont., and Lethbridge, alberta. offspring bucking at the 2010 nFr, where he was retired; BUCKING STOCK OF THE YEAR: saddle broncs Painted 1999 Great Lakes circuit Bull of the Year Stone cold; Prca Smile, 2001-03; Skoal’s alley cat, 1988. OTHER NOTABLE world champion bucking horses, including 2005’s real LIVESTOCK: Saddle bronc country cat, top saddle bronc, Deal of Pete carr and Stace Smith Pro rodeos, who was Wrangler nFr, 2006. BACKGROUND: as the son of the ranch-raised on J Bar J land. BACKGROUND: Sparky late stock contractor reg kesler, Greg kesler was reared Dreesen was a Prca bareback rider in the Badlands circuit. in the rodeo industry. “My dad started his business in 1950 He and Marlene got started in the rodeo business in the and I branched out into my own in 1974,” said kesler, who mid-1980s when they bought out Harlan Gunville of Eagle runs 375 head of horses, 125 bulls and a large beef herd Butte, S.D., and started producing high school and amateur on six sections of land 14 miles south of Lethbridge, rodeos. In December 2008, they merged with Jim and alberta. kesler has competed in all rodeo events except Maggie Zinser’s J Bar J ranch to form J Bar J Inc., and the bull riding. kesler’s family-operated stock contracting Zinsers have since retired from the business. J Bar J sent company produces about 15 rodeos a year. kesler rodeos six bareback horses and six saddle broncs to the 2011 sent four bareback horses and one saddle bronc to the Wrangler nFr. 2011 Wrangler nFr.

2012 Prca MEDIa GUIDE 557 Stock Contractors (continued) Klein Brothers Pro Rodeo LLC MJM Rodeos Stock contractor: Errol Klein Stock contractors: John and Marty Barnes LOCATION: clinton, La. NOTABLE LIVESTOCK: cochise, LOCATION: Sutherland and Peterson, Iowa. NOTABLE top bull, Wrangler nFr, 2007. BACKGROUND: klein & Sons LIVESTOCK: Saddle bronc Little Stone helped Wade rodeo was started in 1970 as circle k rodeo by Dan klein. Sundell tie for the win at the 2010 Wrangler Million Dollar His son, Errol, is the primary stock contractor, chute boss tour championship in omaha. neb., two years after helping and arena director. Errol’s brothers, roy “Boo” and Dan Jr., 2006 World champion chad Ferley to the tour are pickup men. now named klein Brothers Pro rodeo, the championship there. Brett Stall won the first round of the company has progressed through the ranks, producing 2011 ram Great Lakes circuit Finals rodeo on MGM bull Little Britches, high school and college rodeos, as well as Square Box. MJM rodeos horses were high-point winners providing stock for professional rodeos since the company in three of 10 saddle bronc riding performances at the began. the klein family joined the Prca and became a 2005 Wrangler nFr; Valpo Johnny was selected fourth-best professional stock contracting company in 1978. the next saddle bronc. BACKGROUND: the sons of prominent year, the company produced 15 rodeos, including two rodeo producer Bob Barnes, Marty and John began their college and two high school rodeos, spanning five states own stock contracting business in 1984, producing eight and 700 miles from arkansas to Mississippi. klein Brothers rodeos, and also have their own horse-breeding program. sent a bucking bull to the 2011 Wrangler nFr. John Barnes serves as a Prca stock contractor member on the Prca’s Board of Directors and was livestock super- Korkow Rodeos intendent at the 2011 Wrangler nFr, where MJM rodeos Stock contractors: Jim and T.J. Korkow had one bucking bull in competition. LOCATION: Pierre, S.D. BUCKING STOCK OF THE YEAR: Mo’ Betta Rodeo Company Saddle bronc, Slippery, 2006, also top saddle bronc, Stock contractors: Maury and Nikki Tate Wrangler nFr, 2005. NOTABLE LIVESTOCK: Badlands LOCATION: apache, okla. BACKGROUND: this husband- circuit Saddle Bronc of the Year, (tie) Vidalia and Queenie; and-wife team has been raising bucking bulls since 2000. 2008; Badlands circuit Bull of the Year, Mortachi, 2008. Maury has been a Prca tie-down roper for 20 years and BACKGROUND: korkow rodeos, heading into its 60th was the 1991 Dodge national circuit Finals rodeo tie-down year, has a strong breeding program, raising 90 percent roping champion. When the tates acquired the contract of its own bucking stock, and its saddle broncs are in high for cody (Wyo.) night rodeo, their business started to demand. the korkows produce professional, 4-H, college grow. the cody night rodeo has also grown through and high school rodeos. korkow rodeos remains one of increased contestant appearances, rodeo crowds and only three contracting companies that has had stock contestant payout since they’ve taken over, said Maury chosen for every nFr since it began in 1959. Patriarch Irv tate. the company is also known for its Mo’ Betta line of korkow was inducted posthumously into the Prorodeo shirts and for hosting the Mo’ Betta Invitational Hall of Fame in 2009, and the WPra selected Jim korkow and Mo’ Betta celebrity Quail Hunt. Mo’ Betta sent two as its stock contractor of the year in 1996. In 2011, the bucking bulls to the 2011 Wrangler nFr; red river was company sent one bareback horse, six saddle broncs and among the top five bulls of that nFr. two bucking bulls to the big show. WEBSITE: www. korkowrodeos.com. Mosbrucker Rodeos Inc. Stock contractor: Wally Mosbrucker Lancaster & Pickett Pro Rodeo LOCATION: Mandan, n.D. NOTABLE LIVESTOCK: Silver Moon, on whom 2007 World champion Saddle Bronc rider Stock contractor: Chad Lancaster taos Muncy won the seventh round of the 2007 Wrangler LOCATION: Fairfield, texas. BACKGROUND: chad nFr with 87.5 points; War chick, on whom five-time World Lancaster and cullen Pickett formed their partnership in champion Saddle Bronc rider won the eighth 2002. their livestock performed at the Wrangler nFr in round of the 2007 Wrangler nFr with an 88.5; Magic Wars, 2005 and 2008-10 and at the Wrangler Prorodeo tour top bareback horse of the 2007 Wrangler nFr, highlighted championship in Dallas, 2005-08. Lancaster’s father, ray, by a 91.5-point ride with three-time World champion Will has been involved in stock contracting and rodeo produc- Lowe that won the 10th round and tied the arena record. tion for nearly 30 years. Besides producing top livestock, BACKGROUND: Mosbrucker rodeos has been in the stock the company strives to give its crowds a great production. contracting business since 1978, turning professional in all-american cowgirl chicks, an equestrian drill team, 2004 and sending two horses to the Wrangler nFr the very performs at Lancaster & Pickett rodeos throughout texas. next year. their central location means they can supply In 2011, Lancaster & Pickett Pro rodeo sent three bareback stock from Pasadena, texas, to ottawa, ontario, to Sisters, horses and a bucking bull to the Wrangler nFr. ore., to albany, n.Y. cowboys have won money on Mosbrucker stock at major rodeos including the Fort Worth Mid States Rodeo (texas) Stock Show and rodeo; Black Hills Stock Show and Stock contractor: Van Flaherty rodeo (rapid city, S.D.); Sisters, ore.; cheyenne (Wyo.) LOCATION: kirksville, Mo. BACKGROUND: John Walter ; the river city roundup (omaha, neb.); Dodge became a Prca stock contractor in 1979 and was named city (kan.) roundup rodeo; Days of ’76 rodeo (Deadwood, Great Lakes Prorodeo circuit stock contractor of the year S.D.); Lewiston (Idaho) roundup rodeo; and the Wrangler in 1985. Mid States rodeo company marked its 39th year nFr. Mosbrucker rodeos sent one bareback horse, one in business in 2011. Separately, Van Flaherty, a former saddle bronc and a bull to the 2011 Wrangler nFr; Magic Prca roughstock contestant, had started working on his Wars was among the top five bareback horses of that nFr. own herd with bloodlines from Zinser stud nightjacket in 1997 and added bucking bulls in 2008, forming the Hi Lo New Frontier Rodeo rodeo company. In January 2011, Flaherty bought Mid Stock contractors: Jim Crowther and Bronc Rumford States from Walter, who continues to advise him; the herd LOCATION: Gypsum, kan. BACKGROUND: In 2009, Jimmy now numbers about 100 horses plus bulls. crowther bought rumford rodeo, a three-generation

558 Stock contractorS stock breeding and contracting family business that pro- and John, are a huge part of their family entertainment duced 10-15 Prca-sanctioned events annually and took productions. the Franzens run more than 350 head of part in high school and college rodeos. the company also horses, 150 head of bulls and 50 head of cows, most of has produced Wild West shows and rodeos in Finland, them raised in the “born to buck” breeding program they France, Venezuela, oman and most recently Spain. new started 19 years ago. the Franzens produce or lease to 35 Frontier sent a bucking bull to the 2011 Wrangler nFr. rodeos a year. Hank also serves as stock contractor repre- sentative for the rncFr. Powder river sent three bareback New West Rodeo Productions horses, four saddle broncs and four bucking bulls to the Stock contractor: Wade Sankey 2011 Wrangler nFr, where Smooth Groove was among LOCATION: roberts, Mont. BACKGROUND: Wade Sankey, the top five bucking bulls. the son of long-time stock contractor Ike Sankey, is both a stock contractor and a Prca contestant. new West rodeo Pro Rodeos Inc. sent a saddle bronc to the 2010 Wrangler nFr. WEBSITE: Stock contractors Terry Walls www.newWestrodeo.com. LOCATION: Goldthwaite, texas. BACKGROUND: In 2008, STOCK CONTRACTORS J.c. kitaif’s Pro rodeos and terry Walls rodeo company Outlawbuckers Rodeo merged to form Pro rodeos Inc., with more than 40 years Corporation of rodeo experience from Florida to texas, and Walls now Stock contractor: Art Peters has full ownership of the company. Pro rodeos provides LOCATION: Hythe, alberta. BACKGROUND: outlawluckers top stock to the major tour rodeos, and the company sent rodeo sent one bareback horse and one saddle bronc to a bucking bull to the 2011 Wrangler nFr. the 2011 Wrangler nFr.

Painted Pony Championship Rafter G Rodeo Company Rodeo Stock contractors: Jim and Neal Gay Stock contractor: Shawn Graham LOCATION: terrell, texas. BACKGROUND: In 1958, a group LOCATION: Lake Luzerne, n.Y. NOTABLE LIVESTOCK: of cowboys, including neal Gay (father of eight-time World Partner, 2008 First Frontier circuit Bull of the Year; Misfit, champion Bull rider Don Gay), Jim Shoulders, Ira akers, 2008 First Frontier circuit Bareback Horse of the Year; Bob Grant, Harry tompkins and D.J. Gaudin, formed the Shasta, 2007 First Frontier Saddle Bronc Horse of the Year. company. Gay also founded Mesquite championship BACKGROUND: after six years in amateur rodeo, Shawn rodeo, formerly Mesquite rodeo company. Gay and Graham got his Prca stock contractor card in 2006, shortly Shoulders purchased an old auction barn in 1957, tore it after purchasing 56-year-old Painted Pony championship down and built the Mesquite rodeo arena, which opened rodeo from Jack Mccue. Painted Pony took a saddle bronc in 1958. the $6.5 million “Home of the Mesquite and a bucking bull to the Wrangler nFr in 2011 – three championship rodeo” made its successful debut in 1986 years after they became the first new York stock contrac- and played host to the 2000 Summer tour Finale. In 1999, tor to take a bucking horse to Las Vegas for the big event. Gay sold the Mesquite championship rodeo complex and changed the name of his rodeo company to rafter G. Pickett Pro Rodeo In 2011, rafter G rodeo sent one bareback horse, two Stock contractor: Cullen Pickett saddle broncs and two bucking bulls to the Wrangler nFr. LOCATION: Fairfield, texas. NOTABLE STOCK: Former owner Jay austin bred and raised classic Pro rodeo’s Rafter H Rodeo Livestock bareback horse cimarron, on whom Bobby Mote scored Company 85.5 in round 7 of the 2010 Wrangler nFr – cimarron’s Stock contractor: Dell Hall second trip to the Big Show. BACKGROUND: Jay austin, LOCATION: Hulbert, okla. BUCKING STOCK OF THE a three-time DncFr contender who went to the Dodge YEAR: Saddle bronc alibi, 1983; bull no. 105, 1981, 1984; Southeastern circuit Finals rodeo 16 times, bought Gold Skoal’s king kong, 1998. BACKGROUND: Dell Hall has Buckle rodeo from Mark “Sparky” Dreesen and Dr. Bruce been in the stock contracting business since 1961 and a Fink in March 2010 and renamed it coyote Pro rodeo. member of the Prca since 1976. as a former contestant Prca stock contractor cullen Pickett bought coyote Pro in both riding and timed events, Hall knows that the stock rodeo in 2011 and renamed it Pickett Pro rodeo. Pickett draw can make or break a contestant. rafter H rodeo is had purchased J Bar J’s prize stud nightjacket for the a family-run operation on a ranch 10 miles northwest of Lancaster and Pickett firm in 2009 not long after Jim and tahlequah, okla. Dell’s wife, Betty, is a Prca timer, while Margaret Zinser sold that firm to Sparky and Marlene his daughter, Shelley, is a Prca secretary. rafter H rodeo Dreesen. In 2011, Pickett married the Dreesens’ daughter sent two saddle broncs and five bulls to the 2011 Wrangler amanda. nFr, where Spade was named one of the top five saddle broncs that year. Powder River Rodeo LLC Stock contractors: Hank, Lori and John Franzen Robinson Pro Rodeo LLC LOCATION: riverton, Wyo. BUCKING STOCK OF THE YEAR: Bareback horse khadafy Skoal, 1990, 1995-96, will be Stock contractor: Jeff Robinson inducted Into Prorodeo Hall of Fame, 2012; saddle bronc LOCATION: Mars Hill, n.c. BUCKING STOCK OF THE YEAR: Miss congeniality, 2005, 2007, top three, 2008; reserve bulls Buckeye, 2009; after Party, 2010. BACKGROUND: In champion bareback Skoal’s Frontier, 1991. BACKGROUND: early 2008, Harlan robertson, of Southwick robertson Hank Franzen, a Prca Gold card member, began in the rodeo company, purchased Silverado rodeo company Prca stock contracting business in 1986 after spending from 1981 World champion and 16-time all his life in rodeo arenas. He and his wife, Lori, started the Wrangler nFr qualifier Byron Walker. In January 2011, company on their own. In those 25 years, they have earned robertson sold Silverado to Jeff robinson of Mars Hill, 148 “top stock” awards, including Dodge national circuit n.c, who renamed it robinson Pro rodeo. the company Finals rodeo and circuit awards. the Franzens’ children, Jill sent four bucking bulls to the 2011 Wrangler nFr.

2012 Prca MEDIa GUIDE 559 Stock Contractors (continued) Rosser Rodeo Company him sensitive to the needs of the cowboys and their point Stock contractor: Lee Rosser of view. He believes that professional rodeo should be LOCATION: Wheatland, calif. NOTABLE LIVESTOCK: fast, fun, family-friendly entertainment. all Sankey horses Wrangler nFr selections have included Lady red Hawk, taken to the Wrangler nFr are raised by Sankey and his Flood Waters, Black Jack, Dirty Water and Hot Water. wife, roberta; the company sent two bareback horses and BACKGROUND: Established in 1994, rosser rodeo is a saddle bronc to the 2011 Wrangler nFr. the firm was family-owned and -operated. rosser competed in the Prca nominated for Prca Stock contractor of the Year in 2011. for more than 18 years in saddle bronc riding, steer wres- WEBSITE: www.SankeyProrodeo.com. tling, tie-down roping and team roping. His wife, Bonnie, Silver Creek Pro Rodeo is a Gold card member and Prca timer, while his son, Levi, Stock contractor: Matt Williams is a Prca steer wrestler, roper and pickup man, and his LOCATION: cambridge, kan. BACKGROUND: after being daughter, Linsay, is rodeo coach at otero Junior college inactive in rodeo stock contracting for 12 years, rex Walker in La Junta, colo., where she lives with her husband, four- combined forces with longtime friend and rodeo producer time nFr steer wrestler Wade Sumpter. rosser rodeo works Jerome robinson to form Western trails rodeo, and Prca extensively with breeding programs for replacement bulls stock contractor Joe Simon later became involved with and horses, and it sent a saddle bronc and a bucking bull the company, which ran 1,200 head of horses on two to the 2011 Wrangler nFr. rosser has been a Prca member colorado ranches. In early 2012, Matt Williams and several since 1966. partners purchased Western trails rodeo and renamed it Salt River Rodeo Company LLC Silver creek Pro rodeo. Stock contractor: Skip Beeler Silver Club Inc. LOCATION: Mayer, ariz. NOTABLE LIVESTOCK: Primetime, Stock contractor: Steve Whaley top bull of the Wrangler nFr, 2001; son out of time, LOCATION: kenansville, Fla. BACKGROUND: the Silver Wrangler nFr, 2005. BACKGROUND: Skip Beeler became Spurs club’s first full-dress rodeo was held July 4, 1944, a Prca bullfighter in 1978, working many top rodeos. after and it has been a yearly event since. an annual February retiring from bullfighting in 1984, he teamed with two rodeo was added in 1951, and the club celebrated the partners to build a successful concrete and framing production of its 100th rodeo in February 1998. It contin- company in the Phoenix area. as that company matured, ues to produce rodeos every February and June. the club Beeler ventured into farming and ranching. In 1994, he also provides the stock for rodeos in okeechobee, Fla., in started breeding bucking bulls and returned to the rodeo March and September. the famous Silver Spurs Quadrille industry as a stock contractor. In 2006-07, he served as has performed at every rodeo produced by the club. president of the turquoise circuit; in 2008, he was elected WEBSITE: www.SilverSpursrodeo.com. to the Prca’s Stock contractor Executive council. Salt river owns 150 head of horses – 100 bucking horses, the rest Slash T Rodeo Company brood mares and colts – and 150 head of bulls, 40 bucking Stock contractor: Pat O’Maley today and the rest calves in the breeding program. Salt LOCATION: Gooding, Idaho. NOTABLE LIVESTOCK: Bull river rodeo sent a bucking bull to the 2011 Wrangler nFr. Snake Eater, who in 2003 paired with terry Don West for a 95-point ride, the second-highest Wrangler nFr score Sammy Catalena Rodeo Company ever; Desperado, top bareback horse of the Wilderness Stock contractor: Sammy Catalena circuit Finals rodeo, 2007-08; Gone Wild, top bareback LOCATION: kurten, texas. BACKGROUND: Sammy horse of the Wilderness circuit Finals rodeo, 2006. catalena has been involved in rodeo his entire life, and BACKGROUND: Pat o’Maley got into stock contracting became a Prca stock contractor in 1987. Before starting in 1981, and joined the Prca in 2002 when he bought his stock contracting business from scratch in the mid- out Gilbert rodeo company and renamed it Slash t rodeo 1970s, catalena competed in youth, college and amateur company after he and his wife, Juanita, decided to trade rodeos. catalena’s wife, carolyn, and their three sons their stock cow operation for a life in rodeo. Pat o’Maley, handle many of the responsibilities of the rodeo business. a former champion bull rider, has served as stock contrac- “We strive through the years to continually upgrade our tor director for the Wilderness circuit board for several bucking stock and keep the best timed-event cattle years. the company supplies livestock to more than 25 possible,” Sammy catalena has said. He has more than rodeos each year. 2,500 acres of ranch land for his 215 head of horses and 60 head of bulls. Smith, Harper & Morgan Rodeo General manager: Rorey Lemmel Sankey Rodeo Company LOCATION: athens, texas. BUCKING STOCK OF THE YEAR: Stock contractor: Ike Sankey Bareback horse real Deal, 2005. BACKGROUND: Stace LOCATION: Joliet, Mont. BUCKING STOCK OF THE YEAR: Smith, a stock contractor since 1995, became owner of Saddle broncs Skitso Skoal, 1994, 1997; Skoal’s Wild card, Smith, Harper & Morgan in 2004. Harper and Morgan had 1998; Surprise Party Skoal (tie), 2000. OTHER NOTABLE been producing rodeos since 1965 and had been stock LIVESTOCK: Show Biz, Dodge Montana circuit Finals contractors since 1983. Harlan robertson joined the firm rodeo Saddle Bronc Horse of the Year, 2008; Gus, Dodge in 2010. Smith, Harper & Morgan rodeo sent one bareback Montana circuit Finals rodeo Bareback Horse of the Year, horse, three saddle broncs and five bucking bulls to the 2008; William, no. 2 Prca Bareback Horse of the Year, 2011 Wrangler nFr. 1996-97, no. 3 in 2006. BACKGROUND: Ike Sankey started rodeo competition in 1969 and has stayed involved in the Southwick’s Rocky Mountain sport since then, getting his stock contracting card in 1978 Rodeo Company with his father, Bud. Ike Sankey qualified four consecutive Stock contractors: Glenn Southwick and Jerry times for the national Finals rodeo (1975-78). In 1978, he Dorenkamp qualified in two events – and saddle bronc LOCATION: Jay Em, Wyo., and Madill, okla. BUCKING riding. His evolution from competitor to producer makes STOCK OF THE YEAR: Bull Biloxi Blues, 2006. 560 Stock contractorS